John Wetton, most appreciated around here for his part played as King Crimson vocalist and bass player and later with the rather excellent UK, has sadly  passed away this morning (31st January) at the age of 67. He had been battling cancer.

Breaking the news first on Twitter, John’s Asia bandmate Geoff Downes wrote: “Dear All, I am sorry to be the bearer of the very sad news that my dearest friend, bandmate and co-writer, John Wetton has passed away.”

Moments later, the official Asia account tweeted: “We regret to announce that iconic singer, John Wetton, passed away in his sleep this morning. Rest in Peace, John. 12/06/1949 – 31/01/2017”

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“John Kenneth Wetton (born 12 June 1949 – 31 January 2017) was an English singer, bassist, and songwriter.[1] He was born in Willington, Derbyshire, and grew up in Bournemouth. He rose to fame with bands Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry, Uriah Heep, and Wishbone Ash.  After his period with King Crimson, Wetton formed UK, and later he was the frontman and principal songwriter of the supergroup Asia,[ which has proved his biggest commercial success. Their self-titled debut album sold 8 million copies worldwide and was Billboard magazine’s No. 1 album of 1982. He later formed the duo Icon with Geoff Downes (ex-Yes, ex-Buggles) and since the 1990s has had a successful solo career releasing a large number of studio and live albums. Wetton has had a long career as an in-demand session bass player and has collaborated with many members of progressive rock bands such as Yes (including Steve Howe, Bill Bruford, Geoff Downes, Alan White, Billy Sherwood and Peter Banks), Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry, and Genesis (Steve Hackett)”.(Wikipedia)

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